Former lawmaker confirmed to California agriculture board

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California senators have confirmed one of their former colleagues to an obscure state board that mediates disputes between farmers and farm unions.

Former Democratic Sen. Isadore Hall was confirmed Thursday for the $142,000-a-year job over the strong objection of Republicans who say Hall can't be impartial.

Republican Sen. Andy Vidak says farmers who opposed Hall's confirmation told him that Hall threatened retaliation during a confrontation at a Sacramento hotel bar. Republicans also say Hall is too close to labor interests.